AR-platform handguards have come a long way, and they certainly contribute to the AR’s continuing dominance in the firearms industry. While M16s originally shipped with polymer, triangular handguards that simply protected a soldier’s hands from barrel heat — literally guarding them — handguards later evolved to include Picatinny rails for attaching accessories. Quad-rail systems quickly became popular, but while they offer a lot of real estate for accessories, they also add a lot of bulk and can be a tad uncomfortable to grasp.

Rail covers help, but the KeyMod system has truly revolutionized handguards. In essence, with a KeyMod handguard, you can hang an accessory using key-shaped cutouts in the position you desire — without all that extra unused Picatinny rail. This leaves the rest of the handguard streamlined for less weight and bulk. It also helps that all the little key-shaped cutouts add up, making each handguard weigh less than solid aluminum versions.

Ready to trick your AR out with a KeyMod handguard? Check out the setups we’ve compiled.